The Apprentice: A Controversial Cinematic Journey

The performance of Jeremy Strong in The Apprentice, where he portrays Roy Cohn – Donald Trump’s mentor and attorney during his property development days in Manhattan, has sparked Oscar buzz. However, it’s worth noting that this project was initially rejected by every studio.

The Struggle for US Distribution

According to Strong, who spoke with The Times of London, the film had a hard time finding a US distributor for several months. Sebastian Stan co-stars in the film as a young Donald Trump. After The Apprentice premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, a cease-and-desist letter was publicized widely by the Trump campaign, threatening legal action against the film.

The film was labelled as a “libelous farce” and a “direct foreign interference in America’s elections,” due to some of its funding originating from Canada and Ireland. Despite the entire scenario being a bluff, it was effective enough to deter potential distributors.

Strong’s Disappointment with Hollywood

Strong expressed his disappointment with Hollywood’s reaction to the film. He stated, “I found it profoundly disturbing and a dark harbinger of things to come. Frankly, everyone in Hollywood passed on it because they were afraid of litigation or repercussions. I don’t think Hollywood has ever been a bastion of bravery, but that was disappointing.”

Exploring Trump’s Early Years

The film delves into Trump’s life in the 1970s when he took over his family’s property business and began building his empire under the guidance of Cohn.

Strong’s Take on the Film

Strong refers to the film as a “Frankenstein movie,” saying: “They told us not to frame it like that, but let’s be honest. Cohn’s malign legacy is one of denial and that is what he passed on to Trump: this detestation of the world and a need to punish and act out with hatred.”

Conclusion

The Apprentice is a film that has stirred controversy and faced roadblocks, but it also sheds light on a significant period in American history. Despite the initial rejection from Hollywood studios, the film has managed to ignite Oscar conversations, proving that even the most controversial topics can make for compelling cinema.

FAQs

Who stars in The Apprentice?

Jeremy Strong stars as Roy Cohn, with Sebastian Stan co-starring as Donald Trump.

Why did the film struggle to find a distributor?

The film was labeled as a “libelous farce” and faced legal threats from the Trump campaign, causing potential distributors to shy away.

What is the film about?

The film explores Trump’s life in the 1970s when he began his empire-building under the tutelage of Roy Cohn.

Credit: deadline.com